Things To Do
in Almaty
Almaty, situated at the foot of the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains, is a vibrant city known for its stunning natural scenery and historical significance as the former capital of Kazakhstan. It serves as a cultural and economic hub, boasting an array of parks, museums, theaters, and a thriving café culture, alongside modern shopping centers and bustling markets.
The city's unique blend of Soviet architecture and modern skyscrapers, set against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains, makes it a fascinating destination for travelers seeking both urban excitement and outdoor adventures.
- "Salemetsiz be?" - How are you?
- "Rakhmet" - Thank you
- "Keshiriniz" - Excuse me/Sorry
- "Iä" - Yes
- "Jok" - No
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $15 - $100
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $25
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.30 - $1
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $20 - $50
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $60
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the stunning Big Almaty Lake for breathtaking views. Enjoy a leisurely hike around the area to soak in the natural beauty.
Head back to the city and explore the Central State Museum to learn about Kazakhstan's history. Grab lunch at a local café and try traditional dishes.
Stroll through Panfilov Park and visit the Zenkov Cathedral. End your day with dinner at a restaurant offering local cuisine.
Take a morning trip to the Charyn Canyon for spectacular landscapes. A guided tour will make it easy to navigate this natural wonder.
Enjoy a picnic lunch while admiring the canyon views. Spend time hiking along the trails to discover unique rock formations.
Return to Almaty and unwind at a local tea house. Delight in some traditional Kazakh tea and snacks before heading to bed.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning natural landscapes, including the nearby Tian Shan mountains.
- Rich cultural heritage with diverse architecture and historical sites.
- Vibrant city life with a mix of modern amenities and traditional markets.
- Developing economy with growing business opportunities.
- Good transportation infrastructure, including international airport and rail connections.
- Unpredictable weather with extreme temperatures, especially winter.
- Air pollution issues due to industrial activities and urbanization.
- Traffic congestion during peak hours can be challenging.
- Limited English-speaking population, which may pose challenges for expatriates.
- Higher cost of living compared to other cities in Kazakhstan.
Best Activities in Almaty
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the stunning natural beauty of the Tien Shan Mountains through a variety of hiking trails suitable for different skill levels.
Enjoy a thrilling skiing or snowboarding experience at the Shymbulak Ski Resort, which offers stunning views and well-maintained slopes.
Take a trip to Big Almaty Lake to appreciate its turquoise waters and picturesque surroundings, perfect for photography and relaxation.
Tours
Uncover the best of Almaty with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Almaty
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers panoramic views of the city and the surrounding mountains, with a cable car ride available.
Known for stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the world's highest outdoor skating rink.
Provides breathtaking views of the Tien Shan mountains and opportunities for photography amidst the alpine scenery.
A picturesque mountain lake with crystal-clear water, surrounded by dramatic peaks and perfect for stunning photos at any time of the year.
Food in Almaty
Almaty Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A traditional Kazakh dish featuring boiled meat (usually lamb or horse meat) served with flat noodles and accompanied by rich broth. Must-try at Kishlak Restaurant or Kilimandzharo Cafe.
Must-Try!
A fragrant rice pilaf mixed with carrots, onions, and choice of meat, such as lamb or beef. Available at Arbat Restaurant or Dastarkhan Cafe.
Hand-pulled noodles served with stir-fried meat, vegetables, and savory spices. Enjoy a satisfying bowl at Laghman House or Gosti Cafe.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Almaty better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling market in the heart of Almaty known for its vibrant stalls selling fresh produce, spices, and traditional Kazakh snacks like samsa (baked pastries filled with meat or veg).
A popular destination for street food enthusiasts offering a wide selection of local and international cuisines, from Kazakh dumplings to Korean BBQ.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Almaty, it's important to greet people with a handshake and maintain eye contact. It is also customary to address people using their title and last name, followed by a patronymic (derived from the father's first name) for more formal situations.
Respect for elders is highly valued in Kazakh culture. It's important to show deference and courtesy to older individuals, including using polite language and allowing them to enter a room first.
When giving gifts in Almaty, it's important to present them with both hands, and it's customary to express humility when receiving a gift. Additionally, gifts are often refused initially as a sign of politeness, so it's important to offer the gift persistently but respectfully.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Almaty with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Almaty
Ensure a smooth experience
In Almaty, Kazakhstan, tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated in restaurants, hotels, and for services such as taxis and hairdressers. A common practice is to leave a tip of 5-10% of the bill.
Payment in Almaty, Kazakhstan is mostly done in cash, although credit and debit cards are becoming more widely accepted, especially in larger businesses and hotels. It's advisable to carry some cash for smaller transactions and in more rural areas.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Almaty.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Temperate weather with blooming flowers, ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
Warm weather, perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and exploring the national parks.
Mild weather with colorful foliage, great for enjoying the fall scenery and cultural events.
Cold with snow, suitable for winter sports like skiing and snowboarding in nearby mountains.
Almaty at Night
Hiking in Almaty
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A picturesque valley located just 15 kilometers from Almaty, known for its beautiful scenery and ice rink, as well as numerous hiking trails.
A popular skiing and hiking destination in the Zailiyskiy Alatau mountains, featuring several trails with stunning mountain views.
A stunning alpine lake located approximately 28 kilometers from Almaty, surrounded by majestic peaks and offers hiking trails for different skill levels.
This national park features a variety of hiking trails through forests and mountains, showcasing the rich biodiversity of the region.
A hill overlooking Almaty, accessible by cable car or hiking, offering panoramic views of the city and the surrounding mountains.
A lesser-known hiking path that provides a serene atmosphere, with beautiful landscapes and the opportunity to observe local wildlife.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Almaty through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Almaty by plane.
The main international airport serving Almaty, Kazakhstan.
Located in Nur-Sultan, this is the capital city's primary airport, approximately 1,200 km from Almaty.
Located in Atyrau, this airport serves the western region of Kazakhstan, approximately 2,000 km from Almaty.
An international airport serving the city of Aktau, located about 1,700 km from Almaty.
An international airport located in Oskemen, approximately 900 km from Almaty.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The predominant ethnic group in Kazakhstan, comprising a majority of the population in Almaty.
The second largest ethnic group in Almaty, with a significant presence due to historical ties and migration.
A Turkic ethnic group that predominantly practices Islam, with a notable community in Almaty.
Another Turkic ethnic group, forming a smaller segment of the population in Almaty.
A significant minority group in Almaty, reflecting the historical migration patterns within the region.
A smaller but established community in Almaty, primarily involved in business and agriculture.
A minority ethnic group in Almaty with a history of settlement in Kazakhstan.
Various smaller ethnic groups including Belarusian, Armenian, and others comprising the diverse multicultural fabric of Almaty.
The Soul of Almaty
Discover the essence of Almaty through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Ice hockey is a popular sport in Almaty, with several teams and local leagues. The city also hosts international competitions and has produced notable players.
Football is widely played in Almaty, with various clubs competing in national leagues. The city has a passionate fan base and organizes numerous community events.
Futsal is a variant of football played indoors, and it enjoys significant popularity in Almaty. The city has several futsal clubs and conducts tournaments regularly.
Basketball has a growing following in Almaty, with local leagues and school competitions. The sport is popular among the youth, contributing to its development.
Volleyball is commonly played in Almaty, both indoors and on the beach. The city hosts several tournaments and has active clubs for both men and women.
MMA has seen a surge in popularity in Almaty, with various gyms offering training and competitions held within the city. It has attracted a young audience.
Athletics, particularly running, jumping, and throwing events, is popular in Almaty. The city has facilities for training and regularly organizes competitions.
Traditional wrestling is a valued sport in Kazakhstan, and Almaty hosts significant events and champions in various wrestling disciplines.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Almaty.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional Kazakh cuisine heavily features meat, many restaurants in Almaty offer flavorful vegetarian and vegan dishes, especially in the hip and cosmopolitan areas of the city.
Visitors with gluten intolerance can find various gluten-free options at progressive eateries and health-conscious cafes in Almaty, ensuring a diverse and accommodating culinary experience.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Almaty with these cultural adventures.
